Truck full of stones found parked at protest site ahead of July 20 march was in police custody: report

Judicial Intervention in Student Protests

The Supreme Court of India has taken a decisive stance regarding the recent wave of unrest surrounding the NEET paper leak controversy. A bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, alongside Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana, has emphasized that any individual or authority who "took law in their hands" must be held accountable. This judicial intervention follows widespread allegations of police brutality against students who were demonstrating against systemic failures in the examination process.

The Mandate for an Independent Inquiry

Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the apex court has established that a prima facie case exists for a transparent, independent inquiry. The bench has signaled that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) may be constituted to conduct a thorough and impartial probe into the incidents of violence. By calling for an independent investigation, the court aims to strip away the potential biases inherent in local police departments investigating their own conduct, particularly in states where severe allegations—such as the use of an AK-47 against protesters in Bihar—have been leveled.

Protecting the Right to Dissent

Central to the court's recent orders is the protection of student demonstrators. The bench has explicitly barred coercive action against protesting students and directed the immediate release of any minors taken into custody during these demonstrations. Furthermore, the court has prohibited authorities from making the personal data of these students public, a move designed to prevent the stigmatization and long-term harassment of young individuals exercising their right to protest.